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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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Thursday, December 18, 2025

BELGIUM: Tips to a relaxed Festive Season from Bounce Forward



As the festive period approaches, we wanted to share a few gentle reminders for parents and carers


This time of year can bring lots of excitement, but it can also feel overwhelming for children and young people. Changes to routine, social expectations, and heightened emotions are all completely normal - and small, intentional moments can make a big difference.

Here are three simple things that can really help over the festive period:
  • Keep one familiar routine - When days look different, having one predictable anchor - a bedtime rhythm, a regular walk, or a shared meal - can help children feel safe and grounded.
  • Make space for feelings (without rushing to fix them) - Excitement, tiredness, frustration and worry often sit side by side at this time of year. Letting children know their feelings are noticed and accepted can be more powerful than trying to solve everything. 
  • Choose connection over perfection - Children don’t need the festive period to be perfect. What they remember most are moments of feeling seen, heard and connected - even in very small ways.
Every family’s festive period looks different, and there is no single ‘right’ way to do it. Please be kind to yourselves as well as to your children. 

Warm Wishes from the Bounce Forward team.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE